Illinois lawmakers are working with agriculture, business and labor groups to pass a plan this spring to advance carbon capture and storage projects across the state. Experts believe the technology could play a vital role in reaching the state's 100% carbon-free goal by 2050.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois lawmakers are working with agriculture, business and labor groups to pass a plan this spring to advance carbon capture and storage projects across the state. Experts believe the technology could play a vital role in reaching the state's 100% carbon-free goal by 2050.

"We're supposed to be at 25% renewable energy generation by the year 2025," said Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). "We are not going to meet that goal. That means we have to look for new ways to stop damaging carbon from going into our environment and warming our planet."

The Capture Jobs Now Coalition told reporters Wednesday that Illinois should build upon existing federal incentives and regulations to compete with other states. Lawmakers and advocates said carbon capture development could potentially create over 14,400 jobs and help many people forced to leave closing coal and gas plants.

"This bill features a project labor agreement that sets strong labor standards and means workers building our clean energy economy will be paid fair wages, work in safe conditions and will have the necessary training to get the job done right," said Joe Duffy, Executive Director of Climate Jobs Illinois.

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They also believe this massive plan could generate more than $3 billion for the Illinois economy over a decade. Researchers from the University of Illinois argue the state is uniquely positioned to lead the world in carbon reduction efforts due to exceptional geology, natural resources and a robust regulatory framework. Dr. Sallie Greenburg is the leading carbon capture and storage scientist behind a report provided to lawmakers in 2023 to help them understand the technology capable of preventing greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.

"We know the science and engineering work to capture and store significant volumes of carbon dioxide needed to meet emission reduction targets," Greenburg explained. "Further, CCS is an integral part of the balanced portfolio needed to protect the environment and ensure that we develop sustainable energy practices." 

ADM has been at the forefront of carbon capture innovation since 2011. The company injects CO2 underground at its corn processing plant in Decatur through a collaboration with the University of Illinois and U.S. Department of Energy.

Gov. JB Pritzker was asked about this plan during an unrelated event earlier this week. The Democrat told reporters he wonders if it will be safe for people living in areas where carbon capture is taking place. Pritzker said he started out with a degree of skepticism as he does on proposals with significant interests on both sides. He noted that lawmakers would need to ensure Illinois can meet the needs of both sides of the carbon capture issue.

Illinois carbon dioxide

Lawmakers and advocates said carbon capture development could potentially create over 14,400 jobs and help many people forced to leave closing coal and gas plants.

Sierra Club of Illinois also argued the plan is too limited and does not protect farmers who disagree with pipelines built through their land. Still, ADM and the Illinois Manufacturers' Association are supporting the legislation to store more carbon dioxide underground.

"It's also key to advancing efforts to reduce carbon emissions in manufacturing when you think chemicals, and steel, and ethanol, and other sectors," said IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler. "With this legislation, we can de-carbonize without de-industrializing our state."

Sponsors stressed that their plan could allow carbon capture to be a new source of revenue for rural landowners. The legislation would also give Illinois a legal and regulatory framework for supervision and oversight of all carbon capture sites.

"Illinois corn farmers have wanted us to engage on the subject to help ensure landowners are protected," said Fairfield farmer Matt Rush. "The safeguards in this bill go further than other states. This important technology will help the corn ethanol industry pursue domestic and international low carbon fuel markets, bolster investment in existing production facilities and better position the industry to develop market opportunities like sustainable aviation fuel." 

House Bill 569 could be discussed by the House Energy & Environment Committee when lawmakers return to Springfield next week.

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